Ok, so maybe you've personally never shot a friend or family member with "bullets" made of paint, but unless you reside in a cave, you've at least heard of the paintball phenomena. For those that are into the activity (or are interested on how to get started), do we have a great find for you - The Proving Groundz. This SCV-located 30,000-square-foot indoor paintball arena guarantees plenty of adrenaline-packed entertainment for both paintball veterans and beginners.

Ken Doyle and Stephen Kruger opened The Proving Groundz two years ago. Building the arena from the ground up in only 21 days (which happened to be through Christmas and New Year's) shows the dedication these men had to their dream. The idea for The Proving Groundz was Doyle's, who says he "just stumbled into it" after playing paintball for the first time. Realizing how much fun he and his party were having, he started formulating ideas on how to make the experience better. Bringing the paintball experience indoors, where nature cannot affect it, as well as surrounding the arena with a 10-foot high tempered glass wall so onlookers can view the battle from bleachers are two benefits to playing inside. One perusal of the company's online forum will tell you that these two qualities make Proving Groundz the place for paintball.

Folks outside of the 661 have already found out about the SCV's paintball treasure. The Proving Groundz is one of only two indoor paintball arenas in Southern California and it draws in hundreds of dedicated players from all over the west coast. Even so, walk-ins are always welcome and there is no experience necessary - everyone is encouraged to play.

Worried about experiencing paintball for the first time? That makes two of us. But the staff at the Proving Groundz put my mind at ease after a short briefing. The rental accessories are easy to use, and for those of you concerned about protection, Kruger promises that "safety is a key issue for us."

If you are planning a party, you might want to consider The Proving Groundz. On any day, you'll find just as many professional adults running around the arena as younger bands of guys that are really into the sport. Even if only a portion of your group actually plays, observing the fun is exciting and sometimes hilarious. Their rental packages will include everything your group will need to have a great time.

The snack bar is stocked with tasty treats like pizza, hotdogs and ice cream, and catering is always available. And for those who feel that paintball just isn't their forte, a small arcade is on location to keep them occupied.

Currently, corporate leagues and events are being formed, so if you think the tension of the boardroom could be alleviated in a paintball arena, you should give them a call. The Proving Groundz also has a Pro Shop, where you can purchase anything you need to start your career as a paintballer. Items such as goggles, premium paintballs, loaders, tanks, goggles and much more are available at very reasonable prices.

Wondering how much this adventure will set you back? General admission and unlimited access to air/CO2 is only $28. You can either bring your own white fill paint or purchase some at the arena - 2,000 paintballs can be all yours for $45. Newcomers who need to rent equipment will shell out $49.95, which includes a 3,000psi nitro tank, marker, mask, loader, pods/pod pack and 700 paintballs.

Call 253-9600 or visit www.theprovinggroundz.com for more information.